Moulding Assembly

ABSTRACT

A moulding assembly comprising a retainer coupled with a trim member. The retainer may be fastened to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling surface. The trim member may be removably coupled with the retainer to hide the retainer, and provide a decorative outer surface. The trim member need not be fastened directly to the wall or ceiling surface.

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/055,324, filed May 22, 2008, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments relate generally to a moulding assembly, such asa crown moulding assembly or chair rail moulding assembly, that providesdecorative enhancement to a wall or ceiling surface.

BACKGROUND

Interior decorative mouldings, such as crown mouldings, door and windowcasings, chair rails, baseboards, etc., are commonly used in theconstruction industry. Typically these mouldings have a flat surface onone side to mount flush against an interior wall surface, and adecorative surface on the opposite, exposed side. The visually appealingdecorative surface is usually formed in three dimensions.

One conventional type of moulding is an elongated structure, such as onemade of wood or extruded material. This moulding typically has a uniformcross-sectional profile created by milling the decorative design intoone surface of the material, or in the case of extruded plasticmoulding, by extruding through a uniform profile die.

Crown moulding typically is manufactured in long sections forinstallation by a carpenter who miter cuts the moulding into sections,and fastens the moulding directly to the wall or ceiling surface.Installation of the crown moulding in this way, however, can createundesirable visible defects. For example, improper fastening of themoulding trim portion can damage the trim surface. In addition, inapplications where the wall and ceiling surfaces are not flat or square,it may be difficult to install the crown moulding so that it appearslevel and flush with the wall and ceiling surfaces—the installed crownmoulding may appear uneven, undesirably accentuating the imperfectionsin the underlying structures.

The description herein of certain advantages and disadvantages of knownmethods and devices is not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. Indeed, the present embodiments may include some or all ofthe features described above without suffering from the samedisadvantages.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, one or more embodiments described hereinprovide a moulding or trim assembly that has a retainer coupled with aremovable trim member. The moulding or trim assembly can improve theease of installation of the moulding assembly, when compared totraditional moulding assemblies. In addition, the trim member can beremovable and replaceable, enabling design flexibility.

In one embodiment, a moulding assembly has a retainer and a trim member.The retainer has a central section, a first mounting leg extending froma first end of the central section, and a second mounting leg extendingfrom a second end of the central section. A first fastening component isdisposed at least partially on the central section of the retainer. Thetrim member includes a second fastening component that couples with thefirst fastening component.

In another embodiment, a moulding assembly has an elongated retainer, anelongated trim member, and an elongated fastener assembly that couplesthe trim member with the retainer. The elongated retainer has a centralsection, a first mounting leg extending from said central section in afirst plane, and a second mounting leg extending from the centralsection in a second plane that is substantially orthogonal to the firstplane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Purposes and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art from the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the drawing figures in which likereference characters are used to indicate like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a moulding assembly according to anexemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an elongated trim member accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elongated retainer according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a moulding assembly according to anexemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of amoulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of amoulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of amoulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;and

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of amoulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description is intended to convey a thorough understandingof the embodiments by providing a number of specific embodiments anddetails involving a moulding assembly. It is understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details,which are exemplary only. One possessing ordinary skill in the art, inlight of known devices, systems and methods, would appreciate the use ofthe invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number ofalternative embodiments.

Generally speaking, the moulding assemblies of the various exemplaryembodiments described herein have an elongated retainer and an elongatedtrim member. The retainer may be fastened to one or more mountingsurfaces, such as, for example, a wall or a ceiling surface. Theretainer and trim member have mating mounting components by which thetrim member may be removably coupled with the retainer. The two-piecemoulding assembly may be easier to install than traditional mouldingbecause it is more forgiving of imperfections of the underlying mountingsurfaces, and it may provide an improved fit against the mountingsurfaces with reduced or no gapping around the edges. The removable trimmember may be interchangeable with other trim members, providingflexibility in design options. In addition, the trim member may beremoved for ease of painting an underlying wall or ceiling surfacewithout the need to tape off the trim member.

The various exemplary embodiment generally describe devices suitable forcrown moulding trim applications, i.e., those hung in the upper cornerof a room. However, the embodiments are not so limited. In variousembodiments, the moulding assembly may be adapted for other trimapplications, such as, for example, chair rail trim, baseboard trim,door or window trim applications, or other moulding or trimapplications. In other exemplary embodiments, the moulding assembly maybe suitable for use in exterior applications, such as sidingapplications. Upon review of the description provided herein, it will beapparent how to adapt the embodiments to other applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the mouldingassembly 100 may trim an upper corner 30 of a room at the intersectionof ceiling 20 and vertical wall 10. In exemplary embodiments, mouldingassembly 100 may include an elongated retainer 200 and elongated trimmember 300. Retainer 200 may be attached to a mounting surface. Forexample, the elongated retainer 200 may extend across the corner 30,fastening to the interior surfaces of wall 10 and ceiling 20. Inexemplary embodiments, the elongated trim member 300 may be operablycoupled with the retainer 200, extending along the length of theretainer 200 and hiding the retainer 200 from view. In exemplaryembodiments, the elongated trim member 300 is not fastened directly tothe wall 10 or ceiling 20, and may be removable from the retainer 200.Various exemplary features of the retainer 200 and trim member 300 aredescribed below.

In exemplary embodiments retainer 200 and trim member 300 may be made ofwood, metal, molded or extruded plastic, composite material, or othersuitable material. In exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and trimmember 300 may have a uniform cross section along their respectivelengths. The outer surface 304 of trim member 300 may be configured tohave a decorative shape, so as to present an ornamental appearance. Forexample, the outer surface 304 of member 300 may be rounded to present abead, may be patterned in an egg and dart design or may be square orangular in shape. In exemplary embodiments, the decorative surface maybe molded or extruded into the outer surface 304, or it may be machined(in whole or in part) into the outer surface 304 of trim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and each of its componentsmay be unitary, i.e., forming a single workpiece. For example, theretainer 200 may be extruded, molded, or machined out of a singlematerial. However, in some exemplary embodiments the retainer 200 mayinclude more than one material. For example, the retainer 200 mayinclude two materials that are co-extruded or molded to form a singleworkpiece, or may include separately formed parts that are fastened orjoined together to form the retainer 200. Likewise, in exemplaryembodiments, the trim member 300 and each of its components may beunitary, i.e., forming a single workpiece. For example, the trim member300 may be extruded, molded, or machined out of a single material.However, in some exemplary embodiments the trim member 300 may includemore than one material. For example, the trim member 300 may include twomaterials that are co-extruded or molded to form a single piece, or mayinclude separately formed parts that are fastened or joined together toform the trim member 300.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, retainer 200 may include outer surface 208facing away from corner 30 and an inner surface 206 facing toward thecorner 30. Retainer 200 may include one or more legs 202, 204. In oneembodiments, legs 202, 204, may be configured to be fastened to amounting surface such as a wall 10 or a ceiling 20, or underlyingstructures, such as with a staple, nail, screw, or other such fastener.To assist with the correct placement of a fastener through the retainer200, the outer surface 208 of the legs 202, 204, may include one or morefastener grooves 210 located along the length of one or both legs 202,204. In exemplary embodiments, retainer 200 may be adhered to theunderlying mounting surface, such as with the application of a glue beadbetween the underlying surface and legs 202 and/or 204. One of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize how to properly fasten the retainer 200to an underlying structure, so as to provide suitable support for themoulding assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 200 may have two legs 202, 204.Legs 202, 204 may be parallel to each other, or may be configured at anangle, such as orthogonal. For example, referring to FIG. 5B, legs 202,204 may be substantially co-planar, such as for attachment to a singlesurface. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment in whichthe moulding assembly 100 is intended as a crown moulding, legs 202, 204may be generally orthogonal to each other, joining each other at acentral section or throat 212, so that leg 202 may be fastened toceiling surface 20, and leg 204 may be mounted to wall surface 10. In acrown moulding trim application, it may be advantageous to mount theretainer 200 to both the wall 10 and the ceiling 20 surface todistribute the weight between the two surfaces. Mounting the retainer200 to both the wall 10 and ceiling 20 may also enable a better fitbetween the trim member 300 and the ceiling 20.

In some embodiments, retainer 200 may be configured so that the anglebetween legs 202, 204 may change. For example, legs 202, 204 may beconfigured to flex (e.g., up to about 15 degrees), so that when fastenedto an irregular mounting surface, it may lay flush with the surface. Insome embodiments, retainer 200 may be configured to maintain a 90 degreeangle between legs 202, 204, regardless of the actual angle between wall10 and ceiling 20. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, when legs202, 204 of retainer 200 are attached to adjacent wall 10 or ceiling 20surfaces, at least a portion of throat 212 may be spaced from the corner30 of the room. In this configuration, the retainer 200 provides aconsistent mounting structure shape, regardless of irregularities in thesurface of the wall 10 and ceiling 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200may be symmetrical about a centerline, so that legs 202 and 204 have asimilar size and shape. A symmetrical shape may enable the retainer 200to be reversible, so that leg 202 and leg 204 may be reversed withoutdiminishing the functionality of the retainer 200. Referring to FIGS. 5Aand 5B, in other exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may beasymmetrical about a centerline, such as by providing only a single leg202, or by distributing the retainer 200 off-center to the legs 202,204, or by providing a leg 202 that is longer or shorter or having adifferent shape than leg 204. In certain embodiments, an asymmetricalprofile may be configured to enable distribution the load of themounting assembly 100 more toward one leg or the other. An appropriatelength, size and shape may be selected as necessary and/or desired.

In exemplary embodiments, elongated trim member 300 may be operablycoupled with the retainer 200 so that at least a portion of the trimmember 300 extends from the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the trim member 300 may beconfigured so that, when it is attached to the retainer 200 that isattached to the upper corner 30 of a room, the trim member 300 generallycovers the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200, hiding it from plainview. When coupled with the retainer 200, the outer surface 304 of trimmember 300 faces the room. In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface304 may have a decorative surface to provide an ornamental appearancewhen viewed from the room. In exemplary embodiments in which themoulding assembly is a crown moulding assembly, trim member 300generally may be disposed at a predetermined angle to the wall 10,ceiling 20, or both.

In exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 and retainer 200 may beconfigured so that at least portions of the trim member 300, whencoupled with the retainer 200, contact the mounting surface of the wall10, the ceiling 20, or both. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4,trim member 300 may have a first side edge 312 that is substantiallyflush with the ceiling 20, and a second side edge 314 that issubstantially flush with the wall 10 when the trim member 300 is coupledwith the retainer 200. In exemplary embodiments, when the trim member300 is coupled with the retainer 200, there appears to be little or nogap between the edges 312, 314 and the respective mounting surfaces 20,10. In this configuration, the trim member 300 may appear to be attachedto the corner 30, similar to conventional crown moulding trim. However,unlike conventional crown moulding trim, trim member 300 of theexemplary embodiments need not be directly fastened to the mountingsurface to remain flush with the mounting surfaces. In exemplaryembodiments, at least portions of the trim member 300 may compress orflex to maintain consistent contact with the surface of the wall 10 orceiling 20, along the length of the trim member 300. A more flexibletrim member 300 may remain flush to the underlying mounting surface,regardless of imperfections in the mounting surface. In exemplaryembodiments, the trim member 300 may be configured so that it remainssubstantially flush with the mounting surface even after prolonged use.

In various exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 may be removablycoupled with the retainer 200. As such, trim member 300 may be removedand reattached, or removed and replaced with another trim member 300. Inexemplary embodiments, multiple interchangeable trim members 300 may beprovided with varied decorative surfaces so that the outer decorativeappearance of the moulding assembly 100 may be changed without removingthe retainer 200.

In exemplary embodiments, retainer 200 and the trim member 300 may haveone or more mating mounting components that enable the two parts to becoupled. In various exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and trimmember 300 may each have a corresponding component of a male/femaleconnector or fastener. For example, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-5D,trim member 300 may have a male portion of a mating fastening assembly,such as, for example, a mounting flange 306 disposed on its innersurface 302 that may be removably engaged with a female portion of amating fastening assembly, such as, for example, mounting receptacle 214disposed on the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200. In variousexemplary embodiments, the male/female mating fasteners may be reversed,such that a male component is disposed on the retainer 200, and thefemale component may be disposed on the trim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, mating mounting components may provide amechanical connector such as a snap interference fit. In other words,the mating components snap together in a way that creates a mechanicalinterference between the mating parts. This mechanical interferenceprovides a stable connection between the retainer 200 and the trimmember 300. In exemplary embodiments, a snap interference fit may beprovided by any suitable mechanism as necessary and/or desired. Forexample, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a snap interference fit may beprovided by mating components (214 a/306 a or 214 b/306 b) havingengaging projections (220, 316), that when engaged prevent theseparation of the retainer 200 and the trim member 300. Referring toFIG. 5C, a snap interference fit may be provided by mating components(214 c/306 c), having corresponding nesting ridges or contours orcorrugations (216, 308) on one or more surfaces that, when engaged,prevent the separation of the retainer 200 and the trim member 300.Providing a plurality of engaging members may enable a graduated degreeof insertion of the trim member 300 into retainer 200. Referring to FIG.5D, a snap interference fit may be provided by mating components (214d/306 d) having a ball and socket type of connector (222/318). Otherknown or later developed mating mounting components or fasteningassemblies may be employed in the exemplary embodiments, consistent withthe embodiments described herein.

Referring to the figures, in exemplary embodiments, the mating mountingcomponents may include one or more receptacles 214 on the retainer 200,and one or more flanges 306 on the trim member 300. Referring to FIGS.1, 3, and 4, and 5C-5D, in exemplary embodiments, mounting receptacle(s)214 generally may be disposed on the throat 212 portion of the retainer200. However, in various exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle214 may be disposed in other suitable positions on the retainer 200. Inexemplary embodiments, the mounting receptacle(s) 214 may provide agroove or slot opening toward the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200.The groove or slot opening may be recessed into or integral with theother portions of the retainer 200, or it may extend outwardly from oneor more portions of the retainer 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 4and 5A-5D, in an exemplary embodiment the mounting receptacle 214 may beat least partially formed by one or more arms 218 that extend outwardlyfrom the surface of the retainer 200, providing a groove or slot. In thevarious exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle 214 may beconfigured in one or more shapes suitable for mating with and operablycoupling with the corresponding mounting flange 306 of the trim member300. For example, the inner surfaces of arms 218 may have one or aplurality of projections 220, ridges 216 or other surface contours thatmay provide a snap interference fit with mounting flange 306.

In exemplary embodiments, elongated trim member 300 may include one ormore mounting flanges 306 that mate with the one or more mountingreceptacles 214 of the retainer. For example, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4and 5A-5D, trim member 300 may include one or more mounting flanges 306,disposed on the inward facing surface 302 of the trim member 300. Inexemplary embodiments, the mounting flange(s) 306 may be centrallydisposed along the width of the trim member 300. However, the mountingportion(s) 306 may be disposed in other suitable positions on the trimmember 300, so that the trim member 300 may be coupled with retainer200. In the various exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange 306 maybe configured in one or more shapes suitable for mating with andoperably coupling with the corresponding mounting receptacle 214 of thetrim member 300. For example, the sides of flange 306 may have one or aplurality of projections 316, ridges 308 or other surface contours thatmay provide a snap interference fit with mounting receptacle 214.

In exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange 306 or the mountingreceptacle 214 may have one or more features configured to improve theengagement properties of the mating mounting components. For example, asdiscussed above, the mounting flange 306 of the trim member 300 may haveone or more projections 316, or ridges or corrugations 308 that providemechanical interference with corresponding projections 218 or ridges orcorrugations 216 disposed on the mounting receptacle 214. It will beappreciated that other features may be used in combination with orinstead of this feature, to improve the engagement or interferencebetween the mating mounting components. For example, referring to FIGS.1 and 2, in various exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle 214 ormounting flange 306 may include one or more flexible flaps 310. Theflexible flaps 310 may be configured to resist removal of the mountingflange 306 from the mounting receptacle 214. For example, referring toFIG. 2, the flaps 310 may extend from the side edges of the mountingflange 306, angled back toward the outer surface 304 of the trim member300. In this configuration, the flexible flaps 310 may flex inward asthe mounting flange 306 is inserted into the mounting receptacle 214, soas not to interfere with the engagement of the two components. Once themounting flange 306 is fully inserted into the mounting receptacle 214,the flaps 310 may flex back outward, with their distal ends abutting aportion of the surface of the mounting receptacle 214, to resist removalof the mounting flange 306 from the mounting receptacle 214. In variousexemplary embodiments, the mounting receptacle 214 may include one ormore surface features designed to engage with the flaps 310, to increasethe resistance necessary to remove the mounting flange 306 from themounting receptacle 214. In exemplary embodiments, the flexible flaps310 may be more flexible than the materials used for the elongated trimmember 300, or the retainer 200. In exemplary embodiments, otherfeatures, such as friction inducing substances or contours, may be addedto one or more interfaces of the connectors to improve the engagement orinterference between the retainer 200 and trim member 300. Inembodiments in which the trim member 300 is extruded, such as extrudedPVC, the flexible flaps 310 and/or other features may be formedintegrally with the elongated trim member 300, such as by coextrudingthe two materials together. However, the flaps 310 and/or other featuresmay be separately formed, and then later attached to or coupled withtrim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, the mating mounting components may beelongated and substantially continuous along the longitudinal directionof the retainer 200 and trim member 300, respectively. Elongated andsubstantially continuous mating mounting components provides a morecontinuous engagement along the mounting surfaces, and may reducepotential gapping between the trim member 300 and the wall 10 or ceiling20 surface. For example, where individual fastener clips may be used tofasten trim member 300 to a mounting surface, the trim member 300 maysag between clips, creating a gap between the trim member 300 and a wall10 or ceiling 20 surface. A more continuous engagement along the lengthof retainer 200 and trim member 300 may significantly reduce thissagging and gapping effect. This may enable the use of a more flexible(less rigid) trim member 300, without increased sagging. In addition, anelongated and substantially continuous engagement between the retainer200 and trim member 300 may provide a more secure engagement between theretainer 200 and trim member 300. However, one or more of the matingmounting components may be discontinuous along the length of therespective parts. For example, mounting flanges 306 may be replaced withone or more posts that are disposed intermittently along the innersurface 302 of the trim member 300. In various exemplary embodiments,the trim member 300 and the retainer 200 may substantially co-extensive.Where the trim member 300 and retainer 200 are co-extensive, theengagement between the retainer 200 and trim member 300 may be moresecure. In various exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may beshorter in length than the trim member 300. For example, gaps may beprovided between adjacent strips of retainer 200.

In various embodiments, a moulding assembly 100 may include multiplelengths of retainers 200, and trim members 300. In various embodiments,adjacent portions of the retainers 200 or trim members 300 may abut, soas to provide the appearance of a continuous workpiece. The retainers200 or trim members 300 may be made or modified so as to provide theappearance of a continuous workpiece, such as by providing precision cutedges, or mitering the edges of adjacent trim members 300. In variousexemplary embodiments, an additional trim piece, such as, for example, adecorative cornice, may be provided to cover the butt seam of twoadjacent trim members 300. In such embodiments, the edges of adjacenttrim members may be rough cut, and need not provide the appearance of acontinuous workpiece, because the additional trim piece will cover overthe edges to provide a finished appearance.

In various exemplary embodiments, a method for installing the mouldingassembly 100 is provided. According to the method, an installer mayselect suitable moulding assembly components, including at least oneelongated retainer 200, and an elongated trim member 300. The componentsmay be selected according to their intended application, such as crownmoulding application, or chair rail application. In exemplaryembodiments, the trim member 300 has a decorative outer surface 304. Thedecorative outer surface may be provided with the trim member 300, or itmay be later machined into the surface of the trim member 300. Accordingto exemplary methods, the retainer 200 and/or trim member 300 may beprovided in predetermined lengths and may be continuous ordiscontinuous. According to the exemplary methods, the retainer 200and/or trim member 300 may be modified so that when adjacent lengths ofthe part abut, the abutting portion is smooth. For example, the retainer200 and/or trim member 300 may be pre-mitered to provide a smooth buttjoint, or an installer may miter the edges of adjacent lengths of theretainer 200 and/or trim member 300 so that the mitered edges of therespective parts meet at a butt joint.

According to various exemplary embodiments the method for installing themoulding assembly 100 may further include the step of fastening one ormore retainers 200 to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceilingsurface. According to the method, an installer may fasten the retainer200 to a mounting surface by inserting a fastener or plurality offasteners, such as a screw or nail or like fastener, through a leg ofthe retainer 200 and through to the mounting surface. In someembodiments, the retainer 200 may be adhered to one or more surfaces,such as with the application of a glue bead between the retainer 200 andthe mounting surface instead of or in addition to the other fasteningmeans. In some embodiments, the fastener(s) may be inserted through afastener guide groove 210, which may be provided to assist in properlylocating the fastener on the retainer 200. According to the exemplaryembodiments, the retainer 200 may be continuous or discontinuous alongthe mounting surface. For example, the installer may provide gapsbetween adjacent lengths of the retainer 200, such as along a singlemounting surface, or across a corner, between two adjacent mountingsurfaces.

According to various exemplary embodiments the method for installing themoulding assembly 100 may further include the step of coupling one ormore elongated trim members 300 with the one or more retainers 200 thathave been secured to the mounting surface. According to the method,retainer 200 and trim member 300 have mating fastening members, such asmounting receptacle 214 and mounting flange 306, described above. Aninstaller may join the mating fastening members, so that the retainer200 and trim member 300 are at least temporarily fastened. For example,the installer may insert mounting flange 306 into mounting receptacle214, engaging the projections 316 or ridges or corrugations 308 of themounting flange 306 with the corresponding projections 220, or ridges orcorrugations 216 of the mounting receptacle 214.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the installer may adjust theposition of the trim member 300 to achieve a predetermined visualeffect. According to the various exemplary embodiments, the trim member300 may move longitudinally relative to the retainer 200, such as bysliding the trim member 300. In various exemplary embodiments, the trimmember 300 may move proximally and distally relative to the retainer200, such as by adjusting the degree of insertion of the mounting flange306 within the mounting receptacle 214. According to various exemplaryembodiments, when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200,the retainer 200 is hidden from plain view. In exemplary embodiments,when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200, at least aportion of the trim member 300 contacts a portion of the mountingsurface(s), so that there appears to be little to no gap between theedge of trim member 300 and the respective mounting surface.

Although various preferred exemplary embodiments have been describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be evident thatvarious modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additionalexemplary embodiments may be implemented, without departing from thebroader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow.The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

1. A moulding assembly comprising: a retainer comprising a centralsection, a first mounting leg extending from a first end of the centralsection, a second mounting leg extending from a second end of thecentral section, and a first fastening component disposed at leastpartially on said central section; and a trim member comprising a secondfastening component that couples with said first fastening component. 2.The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said second fasteningcomponent removably couples with said first fastening component.
 3. Themoulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second fasteningcomponents comprise mating male and female connectors.
 4. The mouldingassembly of claim 3, wherein said first fastener component comprises afemale connector, and said second fastener component comprises acorresponding male connector.
 5. The moulding assembly of claim 3,wherein said first fastener component comprises a male connector, andsaid second fastener component comprises a corresponding femaleconnector.
 6. The moulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said femaleconnector has a slot, and said male connector has a flange.
 7. Themoulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said first and second fasteningcomponents provide a snap interference fit.
 8. The moulding assembly ofclaim 7, wherein said female connector comprises a surface having atleast one projection or ridge or corrugation that engages ormechanically interferes with at least one corresponding projection orridge or corrugation on a surface of said corresponding male connector.9. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and secondmounting legs are substantially orthogonal.
 10. The moulding assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the angle between said first and second mounting legscan change.
 11. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first andsecond mounting legs are flexible.
 12. The moulding assembly of claim 1,wherein said first fastening component is recessed at least partiallywithin said central section.
 13. The moulding assembly of claim 1,wherein said first fastening component extends at least partially from asurface of said central section.
 14. The moulding assembly of claim 1,wherein said retainer is an elongated member having a substantiallyuniform transverse cross-section.
 15. The moulding assembly of claim 14,wherein said transverse cross-section defines, in part, said centralsection, said first mounting leg, said second mounting leg, and saidfirst fastening component.
 16. A moulding assembly comprising: anelongated retainer having a central section, a first mounting legextending from said central section in a first plane, and a secondmounting leg extending from said central section in a second plane thatis substantially orthogonal to said first plane; an elongated trimmember, an elongated fastener assembly that couples said trim member andsaid retainer.
 17. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein saidelongated retainer has a substantially uniform cross-section.
 18. Themoulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said elongated trim member has asubstantially uniform cross-section.
 19. The moulding assembly of claim16, wherein said elongated fastener assembly has a substantially uniformcross-section.
 20. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein saidfastener assembly comprises a first fastening component disposed on saidretainer and a second fastening component disposed on said trim member.21. The moulding assembly of claim 20, wherein said second fasteningcomponent removably couples with said first fastening component.
 22. Themoulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said fastening assembly comprisesmating male and female connectors.
 23. The moulding assembly of claim22, wherein said female connector has a slot, and said male connectorhas a flange.
 24. The moulding assembly of claim 20, wherein saidfastener assembly provides a snap interference fit.
 25. The mouldingassembly of claim 20, wherein said female connector comprises a surfacehaving at least one projection or ridge or corrugation that engages ormechanically interferes with at least one corresponding projection orridge or corrugation on a surface of said corresponding male connector.